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ESS AMT 1D: sell for parts or attempt to restore?

I recently traded for a pair of ESS AMT 1D floorstanding speakers. The air motion tweeters on these work very well. Problem is one of the woofers has come seperated from its surround. The my eyes the surrounds are not original but newer foam versions. The cone material is a hard plastic like material. I would try to re-glue but not sure what adhesive would be appropriate to use with the hard surface cones. My question is: as I am likely to eventually resell these speakers - should I have the woofers re-surrounded (my guess is $100 worth of cost) and sell as complete speakers or should I just remove the tweeters, crossovers, passive drivers, etc. and "part out"? Of course, third option would be for me to try to obtain an appropriate surround and attempt to redo the surrounds myself. Question here would be what type of glue to use with these cones. Let me know what you think.
Ag insider logo xs@2xwhyland
8 responses Add your response
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valinar
473 posts
 
I once had a pair of ESS AMT 1B. The foam surrounds eventually fell apart. I replaced the surrounds and they worked fine.
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whyland OP
16 posts
 
I have located a surround repair kit for about $25 that is designed for these woofers so I will attempt. The woofers have a plastic like feel and a flat edge so this particular kit was designed for this somewhat unusual configuration. Will do the repair and decide how to proceed. I sell rare books for a hobby and generally have an aversion to breaking up items for parts (for example, books that are sold for their color plates never become books again) However, I must remember that if I part out these parts are likely going to someone who is trying to return a set to its original condition. Thanks for the advise.
valinar
473 posts
 
If the surrounds are completely gone be sure to properly align the cone so the piston does not rub the inside of the voice coil. Once aligned, secure it in three or four places with masking tape. As you apply the new surround remove the tape pieces as you get to that area.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
You have diamonds in the rough. Replace the woofers and upgrade the crossover capacitors.
armyscout41
64 posts
 
simple fix. you can get the surround replacements/repair kit at partsexpress or better yet for $150 each, you can get the NEWER ESS AMT woofers that's been redesigned at partsexpress. I just bought a pair and haven't received it yet although my originals are still good.
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whyland OP
16 posts
 
Thanks for all the advise. I will be ordering a surround kit that is specifically designed for the ESS AMT woofer with the flat edges. Will fix up and see what I think of them. As I own way too many speakers (like many of you I am sure) I will likely enjoy for a while and send to another loving home. Thanks again. Jon.
porifera
3 posts
 
Best of luck enjoying those. The original truncated cabinet styles are very nice in the decor of modern homes and are well suited to solid state amplifiers also. Brand new components available for these all come from China so you're good to stay with all of the vintage pieces and just restore! Nice speakers by the way.
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